Assembly of modules with magnetic anchorage for the construction of stable grid structures

ABSTRACT

In an assembly of modules with magnetic anchorage for the construction of grid structures, one or more elements for stabilisation of the grid structure are inserted in the form of panels ( 6, 12, 6 ″) which can be removably slotted in corresponding polygonal areas circumscribed by the modules of the grid structure.

[0001] The present invention relates to a perfected assembly of modules with magnetic anchorage for the construction of stable grid structures.

[0002] From the Italian patent no. 01301090, whereof the same Applicant is owner, an assembly of modules is known which optimises the exploitation of magnetic energy available for anchorage between the modules in such a way as to achieve a plurality of grid structures having the most complex and inventive shapes.

[0003] The point of magnetic coupling between two modules can be chosen as required at any one of the zones of the magnetically active and/or ferromagnetic surface of one of the modules and is not limited by a predefined orientation between the two modules in such a way that the modules of the assembly can be combined overall one with the other, obtaining a plurality of shapes.

[0004] In all systems of assembly with magnetic anchorage known today, and above all in those assemblies with magnetic anchorage which under-use the magnetic energy available for anchorage between modules, it is shown how some shapes of the grid structure do not have the appropriate requirements of stability and capacity for self-support, particularly with reference to resistance to shearing or slipping and to bending.

[0005] In these cases the shape of the original grid structure has to be modified by adding thereto—ad hoc—other modules to ensure its stability.

[0006] This solution, in addition to modifying the original shape of the required grid structure, can cause excessive increase in the weight and cost of the same grid structure.

[0007] The main object of the present invention is that of providing an assembly of modules with magnetic anchorage for the construction of grid structures which achieve, with the same number of magnetic modules used, improved resistance to the deformation caused by stresses of shearing, slipping, bending or torsion. Another object of the present invention is that of providing an assembly of modules with magnetic anchorage for the construction of grid structures which makes any required grid structure stable without it being necessary to modify its shape and excessively increase its weight or total cost.

[0008] These objects are achieved by an assembly of modules with magnetic anchorage for the construction of grid structures which is characterised in that it provides one or more elements for stabilisation of the grid structure in the form of panels which can be removably slotted in corresponding polygonal areas circumscribed by the modules of the grid structure.

[0009] The panels can be made in a lightweight and economical material and enable extremely stable grid structures to be obtained, although maintaining the original simplicity and flexibility of assembly of the modules unchanged.

[0010] The panels for stabilisation of the grid structure can also allow new ways of using grid structures both as elements strictly for amusement and as display or furnishing elements.

[0011] These aspects will be made clearer on reading the following description of some preferred embodiments of the invention, to be read merely by way of a non-limiting example of the more general principle claimed.

[0012] The following description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013]FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an assembly of modules with magnetic anchorage defining a two-dimensional structure in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a sectioned view taken from line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 3 is a partially sectioned detailed view of the structure of a cylindrical module used in the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of an assembly of modules with magnetic anchorage defining a two-dimensional structure in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 5 is a sectioned view taken from line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

[0018]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an assembly of modules with magnetic anchorage defining a three-dimensional structure in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0019]FIG. 7 is a sectioned view of a grid structure similar to that of FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein a different structure of display panel is provided.

[0020] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a two-dimensional assembly 1 of eight modules comprising four spherical modules 2 and four cylindrical modules 3 is illustrated.

[0021] The spherical modules 2 consist of a ferromagnetic marble for example in steel, while the cylindrical modules 3 each comprise a central ferromagnetic cylindrical yoke 4 to each of whose opposite bases a corresponding cylindrical element 5 in permanently magnetic material is fixed.

[0022] The permanently magnetic elements 5 are magnetised axially and are arranged with the adjacent bases of opposite magnetic polarity in such a way as to be connected in series via the ferromagnetic yoke 4.

[0023] If necessary the structure of the cylindrical modules 3 can be contained in a non-magnetic covering matrix 9.

[0024] The assembly 1 comprises a square plaque or panel 6 with cropped corners which defines, in the direction of the thickness of the plaque 6, lateral recessed edges 7 with an arched profile.

[0025] The radius of curvature of the four edges of the plaque 6 is equal to the radius of the cylindrical element 3.

[0026] As can be seen, the assembly consists of the four cylindrical modules 3 arranged in a square and of the four spherical modules 2 arranged at the corners of the square in contact with the end bases of the two cylindrical modules 3 which converge therein.

[0027] The cylindrical modules 3 are oriented in such a way that the magnetic tensions caused thereby in the magnetic circuit formed by the assembly are all combined in series.

[0028] Before concluding the assembly with the fourth and final cylindrical module 3, the panel 6 is inserted in the plane zone defined by the remaining three cylindrical modules 3 until each edge of the panel 6 is slotted on the lateral wall of a corresponding cylindrical module 3.

[0029] After insertion of the panel 6 the last cylindrical module 3 is slotted in the side of the remaining free panel 6 to complete the assembly.

[0030] Clearly the panel 6, although leaving the flexibility of assembly of the modules unchanged, acts in the sense that it stiffens the assembly and allows it to maintain its shape even where there is shearing or torsional stress, and at the same time can act as a surface for supporting a weight.

[0031] The panel 6 can be in coloured or natural plastic or wood, in lightweight metal or in any other lightweight and economical material yet sufficiently resistant from the mechanical standpoint.

[0032] The panel is removably slotted between the cylindrical modules 3 and can naturally be reused as required for the creation of new and different assemblies.

[0033] The assembly of FIG. 1 can form the basis for the construction of definitely more complex three-dimensional grid structures.

[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, an assembly of modules is illustrated for the construction of a structure similar to that of FIG. 1 but with modules having a different shape and structure.

[0035] In this case the spherical ferromagnetic modules 2 forming the tops of the square structure are replaced with permanently magnetic cubic modules 10 having two adjacent faces 10′ and 10″ with opposite magnetic polarity, while the cylindrical modules 3 forming the sides of the square structure are replaced by modules 8 which are structurally identical but in the form of a parallelepiped with a square plan.

[0036] In this case the system of removable slotting between the panel 12 and the modules 8, although still of the male/female type, is made in a different way by forming rectangular grooves 11 with width equal to the thickness of the panel 12 along the longitudinal median axes of each of the four lateral faces of the parallelepiped modules 8.

[0037] Naturally other forms of removable slotting of the panels in modules other than those shown here can be provided without departing from the principle claimed. Obviously the number and points of positioning of the panels for stabilisation in a more complex grid structure can be varied as required by the person constructing it.

[0038] In order to adapt to the various possible shapes of the areas defined by the modules forming a grid structure, the panel can also have in turn a triangular, rectangular, pentagonal or generically polygonal shape.

[0039] The present principle must be also be considered extended to the cases wherein the modules of the assembly are different in terms of shape, structure and dimensions from those shown hitherto, but such as to create in, any case a grid structure. Modules extending along a preferential axis, for example straight prisms or cylinders with a generically polygonal base, will preferably be used, alone or combined with modules without a preferential extension axis, for example cubes or spheres, and a panel, and slotting will take place between a panel and the modules extending along a preferential axis which define a polygonal area of the grid structure.

[0040] All the modules and the procedure for assembly of the modules illustrated in the Italian patent no. 01301090 can advantageously be used.

[0041] In particular the modules which create the grid structure can thus be modules of a first type, consisting of at least one active magnetic element, that is to say an element which has two opposite polarity surfaces, at least one ferromagnetic element and possibly a non-magnetic covering matrix, or modules of the first type combined with modules of a second type, the latter consisting of a ferromagnetic element possibly inserted in a non-magnetic covering matrix.

[0042] The modules are assembled in such a way that the magnetic flow generated by the active magnetic elements used in the anchorage closes totally or at least partially via the ferromagnetic parts of the grid structure, and in such a way that the magnetic tensions produced in the magnetic circuit generated by the active magnetic elements which achieve anchorage are combined in series.

[0043]FIG. 6 shows a three-dimensional assembly made with spherical modules 2 and cylindrical modules 3 identical to those described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

[0044] In this example of assembly 1′, which represents a model of a cubic crystalline grid with centred body, the panels 6′ have a hole in the centre which allows a cylindrical module 3, inserted through it, to be supported. The presence of at least three panels in three corresponding orthogonal faces of the cubic structure prevents deformation of the structure caused by application of a bending or shearing action thereon. If maintaining of the deformability of the structure in one of its main directions is required, it will be sufficient to eliminate from the structure the panel arranged in the plane wherein deformation is to be produced.

[0045] The panels can improve the recreation potential of the grid structure to be constructed, as they can for example depict portions of a picture of a three-dimensional puzzle.

[0046] The panels can also act as explanatory or advertising boards, in addition to allowing the creation of closed, half-closed or open volumes, which can be used according to the most widely varying needs of furnishing, support, containing or others.

[0047] A particularly advantageous panel structure in accordance with the present invention provides an actual panel which can be removably attached to a panel cover mounted above the panel, which panel cover extends beyond the edges of the corresponding panel to increase the covered portion of the modules circumscribing the polygonal area wherein the panel is attached. This aspect of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 7, where an actual square panel 6″ is combined with a panel cover 14, in this case square and transparent, which projects beyond the edges of the panel 6″ until it covers almost half the upper lateral surface of the cylindrical modules between which it is inserted.

[0048] The panel cover 14 has at the four corners feet 16 which can be pressure-inserted in a housing cavity 18 formed on the body of the panel 6″ in such a way as to form a single body with the panel 6″.

[0049] The internal side of the panel cover 14 supports in turn a square plate 20 with dimensions equal to the panel cover 14, which plate bears a decorative pattern or picture or part of a picture to be displayed. Finally the plate 20 has at the four corners respective apertures which can be entered by the feet 16 of the panel cover 14 before the latter is in turn attached to the panel 6″.

[0050] The use of these panels enables greater coverage, at most complete, of the modules of the grid structure, and enables a picture or a decoration for display to be removed, recomposed or changed without having to open or disassemble each time the modules of the grid structure. 

1. An assembly of modules with magnetic anchorage for the construction of grid structures which is characterised in that it provides one or more elements for stabilisation of the grid structure in the form of panels (6, 12, 6″) which can be removably slotted in corresponding polygonal areas circumscribed by the modules of the grid structure.
 2. An assembly according to the previous claim, characterised in that the modules which form the grid structure are made up of modules of a first type, consisting of at least one active magnetic element, that is to say an element which has two surfaces of opposite polarity, at least one ferromagnetic element and possibly a non-magnetic covering matrix, or are formed by modules of the first type combined with modules of a second type, the latter consisting of a ferromagnetic element possibly inserted in a non-magnetic covering matrix, and in that the modules are assembled in such a way that the magnetic flow generated by the active magnetic elements used for anchorage is closed totally or at least partially via the ferromagnetic parts of the grid structure, and in such a way that the magnetic tensions produced in the magnetic circuit generated by the active magnetic elements which achieve anchorage are combined in series.
 3. An assembly of modules according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that said modules consist of a combination of modules (3, 8) having a preferential extension axis, such as straight prisms or cylinders with a generically polygonal base, used alone or with modules (2, 10) without a preferential extension axis, such as cubes or spheres.
 4. An assembly according to the previous claim, characterised in that the removable slotting occurs between each panel (6, 12, 6″) used in the assembly and the modules (3, 8) extending along a main axis which define a polygonal area of the grid structure.
 5. An assembly according to the previous claim, characterised in that the modules which form the grid structure are cylindrical modules (3) combined with spherical modules (2), and in that in order to achieve removable slotting of each panel (6, 6″) the edges of each panel (6, 6″) are arranged in the direction of the thickness of the panel (6, 6″), arched towards the interior of the panel (6, 6″) with a radius of curvature equal to the radius of the cylindrical modules (3).
 6. An assembly according to claim 4, characterised in that the modules which make up the grid structure are parallelepiped modules (8) combined with cubic modules (10), and in that in order to achieve the removable slotting of each panel (12) the parallelepiped modules (8) have rectangular grooves (11) with width equal to the thickness of the panels (12) formed along the longitudinal median axes of each of their four lateral faces.
 7. An assembly according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that said panels (6, 12, 6″) are in lightweight metal, or in natural or coloured plastic or wood.
 8. An assembly according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that said panel (6″) has a structure comprising an actual panel (6″) which can be removably attached to a panel cover (14) above.
 9. An assembly according to the previous claim, characterised in that the panel cover (14) extends beyond the edges of the corresponding panel (6″) to increase the covered portion of the modules circumscribing the polygonal area wherein the panel (6″) is attached.
 10. An assembly according to any one of claims 8 and 9, characterised in that a plate, bearing a decorative pattern or a picture or a part of a picture to be displayed, is removably attached to the panel cover (14).
 11. An assembly according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the panels (6, 12, 6″) are also used as amusement elements, elements for explanatory or advertising boards, or elements for forming closed, half-closed or open volumes which can be used for furnishing, support or containing needs. 